Thousands to celebrate graduation

Thousands of students are preparing to celebrate their academic success at University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies.

More than 3,000 students will reap the rewards of their hard work when they graduate at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Graduation starts on Thursday, 13 September 2018 with a ceremony for students on Health Studies and Public Health courses.

There will be 17 graduations in total, with the last graduates collecting their awards on Friday, 21 September 2018.

Honorary degrees will be awarded to 15 people who have made a significant contribution to their field. They include the first female Black Rod, Sarah Clarke, Man Booker prize-winning author and former Wolverhampton Polytechnic lecturer Howard Jacobson and the Chief Executive of Bentley, Adrian Hallmark.

Each ceremony will start with a procession of academics, honorary graduates, dignitaries and invited guests.

There will be a drinks reception after the ceremonies in the Harrison Learning Centre, and class photos will be taken under the University’s photo arch.

Among those receiving their degrees this year will be BA (Hons) Social Care and Health Studies student Aleesha Verma, who was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis during her A-Levels requiring emergency surgery to save her life, and in her first year at University had further surgery after her health deteriorated again.

She said: “My experience at the University has been incredible. The University has given me a platform to accomplish many achievements, and has allowed me to go on to pursue my future goals. The staff at the University have been very supportive and understanding when I needed it the most.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer said: “We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our 2018 graduates as they enter the next stage of their careers.

“Graduation is a wonderful occasion to celebrate success and this year we have introduced new class photos for students to remember their time here.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming people who have made a significant contribution to their field to join our University family as honorary graduates.

“We hope all of our graduates and their families and friends enjoy celebrating with us.”